BJ Cole - PROJECTS

Morton Valence

Produced by BJ Cole

Morton Valence are a London-based alternative country duo, formed around the vocal pairing of Robert Hacker Jessett and Anne Gilpin. They describe their music as ‘urban country’ and give their interpretation of Americana something of a different twist.

Review from Americana-uk & Narc Magazine

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DAYDREAM SMILE

THE Hawaiian PROJECT

After a career in music of over 50 years in which he has explored every stylistic nook and cranny; where has BJ Cole left to go to find something new to say in music?

Well, back to his roots of course To his passion for the lyricism of Hank Marvin’s guitar, Santo & Johnny’s ’Sleepwalk’ and the music of the Hawai’ian Islands. The sounds that ignited his musical flame.

So who is Dave Eastoe?

Dave is a great musician, a magician, a dabbler in essences, most which he found in his frequent sojourns in the Hawaiian Islands; a place and culture that he deeply loves. But to BJ’s great good fortune, he is the right person at the right time. BJ and Dave write intuitively together and Dave can play the Hawaiian Slack Key guitar style like a native. The musical chemistry between BJ and Dave is what makes this record work.

So what’s the big deal about Hawaiian Music?

Without going into too much historical detail; the music of Hawaii was a smash around the World from it’s introduction into mainland United States at the beginning of the 20th Century until it was eclipsed by rock’n’roll in the 1950’s. Hawaiian musicians brought steel string guitar madness to the United States, and helped to lay down the musical culture that influenced the evolving styles of American popular music. the blues, western, cowboy music and country music. Without Hawaiian music, crooning would never have happened.

Above all ‘Daydream Smile’ is a statement by two friends who have a love for the music and culture of the Hawai’ian Islands. This record may not be particularly authentic, but it is passionate. It’s about time that the music of Hawaii was properly recognised for the vital role it played in the development of Americana and in the history of American popular music.

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BJ Cole & Emily Burridge

BJ Cole & Emily Burridge

Duets for Pedal Steel Guitar & Cello

When BJ Cole and Emily Burridge perform together they produce a dynamic energy created out of their complimentary musical perspectives. Emily, the classically trained virtuoso ʻcellist with a talent for improvisation honed to spontaneous perfection by the demands of top flight session work. ... and BJ; whoʼs session CV confirms his conviction that the pedal steel guitar is long overdue for a re evaluation as an orchestral instrument that demands a sophisticated repertoire.

“The unique combination of Emilyʼs ʻcello and BJʼs Pedal Steel Guitar create orchestral sounds in a new and refreshing context; weaving around one another in a sinuous dance of infectious sound and rhythm”

In working together these two have created an eclectic repertoire for their concert program including a classical/. jazz interpretation of Henry Purcellʼs ‘Dido’s Lament, “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copeland, “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy. A highly original arrangement of the five Gnossiennes by Eric Satie, “The Gnossienne Suite” seamlessly tying the Gnossiennes together by using these pieces to provide a window through which they enter a world of intuitive improvisation and sonic adventure.

They have established a strong reputation with their unique musical interpretations and have performed at a wide variety of UK & International Festivals including The Aldeburgh Festival, Glastonbury Festival, The Wirral Guitar Festival, Birkenhead, The Lewes Guitar Festival, East Sussex and The Rochefort En Accordes Festival, France, Halʼs Guitar Festival in Croatia, Wymondham Festival, Norfolk and The Convent Club, Stroud.

BJ COLE & EMILY BURRIDGE.

GNOSSIENNE SUITE

Although BJ and Emily have covered Erik Satie's Gnossiennes in their repertoire, it was when they performied the complete cycle that it became clear the pieces should evolve in the form of a suite. They've composed musical passages that link the individual 'miniatures' and create a sense of momentum. The pedal steel and cello bring out a lyrical quality in Satie's music, not possible to express in standard piano interpretations. Undercurrents of Eastern European music clearly emerge as an influence on Satie's original compositions. Individual Gnossiennes, as movements in a suite, gives a substance to the whole, and a unique take on Satie's genius.

The ‘Gnossienne Suite’ has been remixed and remastered by BJ.

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BJ Cole & Emily Burridge.

Back into the blue

Duets for Pedal Steel Guitar & ʻCello. Emily & BJ have never sounded so good. Three standout tracks from the EP ‘Into The Blue’ raised to sonic perfection by BJ & Neil Wilkes with a brand new remix & remaster; plus 2 new performances by BJ Cole & Emily Burridge of Ravel’s ‘Pavane Pour Une Enfant Defunt’, and their interpretation of the American Songbook classic,’Cry Me A River’.

Five tracks, brand new and remastered with new artwork by Kenny Laurenson.

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BJ and Emily Burridge Live

The duo are ideally suited to a wide variety of venues, from house concerts to churches and large concert halls. Get in touch for more info.